Topic description and stories

Section of normal testes of a young man

Study finds increased DNA mutations in children of teenage fathers

18 Feb 2015

New research reveals that the sperm cells of adolescent boys have more than six times the rate of DNA mutations as the equivalent egg cells in...

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A lipid membrane functionalised with DNA-linkers

Responsive material could be the ‘golden ticket’ of sensing

07 Jan 2015

A new responsive material ‘glued’ together with short strands of DNA, and capable of translating thermal and chemical signals into visible physical...

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Skull and bones of Richard III

Richard III – case closed after 529 years

02 Dec 2014

DNA and genealogical study confirms identity of remains found in Leicester and uncovers new truths about his appearance and Plantagenet lineage.

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Kosenki fossil skull, and and illustration of the Kosteni find

Ancient DNA shows earliest European genomes weathered the ice age, and shines new light on Neanderthal interbreeding and a mystery human lineage

06 Nov 2014

A genome taken from a 36,000 year old skeleton reveals an early divergence of Eurasians once they had left Africa, and allows scientists to better...

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Multiple copies of the TRIM44 gene in an oesophageal cancer cell line

Oesophageal cancer gene identified

08 May 2014

A newly-discovered gene linked to oesophageal cancer holds the promise of new treatments for this notoriously difficult-to-fight disease.

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Queen bee larvae

How large is the alphabet of DNA?

12 Dec 2013

New sequencing technology is transforming epigenetics research, and could greatly improve understanding of cancer, embryo formation, stem cells and...

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Micrograph of a plasmacytoma, a hematological malignancy

Researchers discover new test for chronic blood cancers

10 Dec 2013

A new test for blood cancers will catch many more cases than the present test that identifies only 60 per cent.

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Dr Frederick Sanger (1918-2013)

20 Nov 2013

Dr Frederick Sanger, recognised by many as the “father of genomics”, died in 2013 at the age of 95. The founding member of the MRC Laboratory of...

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Quadruplex visualisation and staining in human cell nuclei and chromosomes

Four-stranded ‘quadruple helix’ DNA structure proven to exist in human cells

31 Jan 2013

Discovery opens up possibilities for a new generation of targeted therapies for cancer.

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Beakers

Scientists discover how epigenetic information could be inherited

25 Jan 2013

Research reveals the mechanism of epigenetic reprogramming.

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The Flying Dutchman and Voltigeur by John F Herring Sr. (1795 - 1865)

Solved: two of the historic riddles of horse racing

02 Jun 2012

The identity of the winner of the 1880 Epsom Derby – the classic race to be run today - was famously disputed. Now analysis of DNA from the bones of...

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Abraham Pietersz. van Calraet  Landscape with Figures and Horses

Mystery of the domestication of the horse solved

08 May 2012

Research reconciles competing theories about the origin of the domestic horse.

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